Built in 2005, the St. Regis offers the best in luxury: rooms with great beds and bathrooms, 24-hour butler service (for suite rooms only), Michelin-starred Ame restaurant, and Remede Spa and pool. Its business-heavy SoMa surroundings and modern building lack the historical grandeur of Nob Hill's grand dames, but otherwise it stands shoulder to shoulder with its hilltop competitors.

Built in 2008 near the Moscone Convention Center in the business-oriented neighborhood of SoMa, the modern, 550-room InterContinental's luxury-level service, high-tech guest rooms, lap pool, well-reviewed spa, and Michelin-star restaurant make it one of the best values in San Francisco. But it's worth it to also check rates at the comparable W San Francisco.

The Fairmont combines the history, cachet, and decor of a turn-of-the-20th-century grand old dame with the amenities, technology, and corporate-dominated clientele of a large chain property. What separates it from its luxury competitors are its beautiful, well-appointed rooms, many with stunning views, and its location atop Nob Hill.

This luxurious, 110-room boutique one block from Union Square is an enclave of posh rooms and pampering service in a dense city. There aren't many features here -- just a gym and a small business center -- but its top-notch service and luxe room amenities make it one of the city's most special hotels.

Everything you'd expect from a Ritz -- formal, doting service; cultivated decor; tasteful, tasty dining; a luxury spa -- all in the ritziest of San Francisco neighborhoods. But while luxury competitors offer free limo rides, 24-hour butlers, or panoramic views, the Ritz lacks a wow factor. It's largely a matter of taste, of course, but we prefer the St. Regis and Mandarin Oriental.

The Four Seasons' huge, well-outfitted rooms and attentive service are among the city's best, but the 277-room property falls a bit short of expectations. Its pool and fitness center are outsourced, and its business-centric SoMa location lacks the prestige of Nob Hill, where some if its strongest competitors reside.

With astounding views from elegant, spacious rooms high up in a Financial District skyscraper and the best in pampering service, this Mandarin Oriental lives up to its luxury reputation. The downtown location makes it best for business travelers, but the spa and fitness center are a draw for others as well. And the rooms and services are hard to beat.

A historic property renovated in 2008, the Renaissance Stanford Court has several of the less endearing quirks of an older building but few of its vestigial charms. Still, it's a relative bargain for the posh Nob Hill address.

The Sir Francis Drake attracts both business and leisure travelers with its great location close to Union Square and public transportation (including the cable car that runs right outside the hotel). But the business traveler might be slightly disappointed with the amenities: The business center and fitness center are both minimally equipped and Wi-Fi comes at a cost to everyone except Kimpton loyalty program members. There are, however, ample meeting rooms for groups. Staying at a Kimpton hotel does have several perks, including free coffee and tea in the lobby each morning and a free wine happy hour in the evenings. The hotel is also pet-friendly, with no extra costs and no size or weight restrictions. The hotel is one of the oldest in the area and takes pride in its history, but the property nonetheless feels modern with its clean, quiet, and comfortable guest rooms (each features a work space). Interior rooms on the lower floors are the quietest, but rooms in the Towers offer the best views.